Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Few experiences in life can match the joy of welcoming a new baby to the family. While everyone plans for the day that their child is born, not everyone plans on the possibility that they may need the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Our NICU is designated as a Level III facility, which means we have specialists – neonatologists, neonatal nurses and respiratory therapists – on site at all times who have access to state-of-the-art life support equipment. We can care for babies born at less than 28 weeks gestation and those who have severe or complex conditions.

Experienced Care

While the vast majority of infants are born healthy and without complications, sometimes special care is needed. For those situations, the on-site NICU at Parkridge East Hospital provides care for mothers and babies in the same location.

The Level III NICU serves premature babies and healthy full-term infants with unforeseen complications that require special care. The unit provides round-the-clock individualized neonatal care by board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and registered nurses who are on-site at all times. The sole focus of the staff is to provide compassionate, specialized care and intervention for newborn babies. We also have a full service blood bank onsite so you have access to lifesaving care if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes a woman learns during her pregnancy that her baby may be at risk for having complications at birth. However, women who have experienced perfectly healthy pregnancies can experience unexpected complications at the end of their pregnancy or at birth. Because it is critical to have access to the appropriate specialized care immediately if complications arise, giving birth at Parkridge East ensures that care is available 24/7 should your baby require special services.

The NICU is staffed 24-hours a day with highly trained Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, registered nurses and a Neonatal Respiratory Therapist. There are also board certified Neonatologists (doctors specializing in the care of sick newborns) in-house or on call 24/7.

Yes! The NICU has a family-centered atmosphere where parents and caregivers are encouraged to spend time with and help care for their baby. As baby’s condition allows, we encourage breastfeeding, if desired, and have a private room for breastfeeding, pumping and milk storage.

Parents can opt for a night of "rooming in" before discharge. You can stay, if desired, in a hospital-type room just steps away from the NICU to get comfortable taking care of your baby, while still having the nurses available for any questions you have or reassurance you may need.